Dashan Irwin Woods was born on February 9, 1978, in Miami Beach, Floridam to Valencia and Bernard B. Woods. Dashan received his early education at South Hialeah Elementary School followed by Miami Springs Middle then Miami Springs Senior High Schoolm where he was a member of the marching band playing the drums. Dashan, being the baby in the family, inspired his father, bass singer and choreographer for the locally known group The Prolifics, to write the song “Boy Child”, which aired over several local radio stations during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. 

 

After graduating from high school, Dashan attended Miami-Dade College and later began working at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, where he remained for over sixteen years. Being reared in the Christian faith, Dashan accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in his early twenties then became a member of the Opa Locka Church of God of Prophecy, now known as Love Fellowship Ministries. While there, Dashan joined the gospel group The Anointed Men of Prophecy as lead drummer and traveled throughout Florida and other states performing at the Florida State Convention and the General Assembly. In the face of his illness, Dashan’s faith never wavered. Despite the challenges Dashan encountered during his time in the hospital, he remained steadfast in his dedication to giving God praise, shouting, “Hallelujah!” and “Thank you Jesus!” Each day, he found solace and strength in his prayers, consistently taking time to thank God in prayer for the blessings he had received.

 

As a monument of his upbringing and commitment to his faith, Dashan was always kind and good-spirited. Many of his nurses stated that he was their best patient and called him the “polite man.” He always gave them respect and greeted them with a smile. Dashan blessed everyone who entered his room to administer care. He would tell them “thank you” and “go in the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” His unwavering spirit and profound gratitude were a true testament to his enduring faith and an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. 

 

Dashan was preceded in death by a brother, Trevino “Sam” Bostic.

 

Dashan leaves behind to cherish his memory: siblings, Sharrveta (George), Bernard (Clasena), Nadrina, and Rosette (Darrell); ten nieces and nephews; eleven great-nieces and great-nephews; cherished friend and mentor, Elton John; godson, Matthew Gentles; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.